🌎 Africa

0 countries with railway stations.

Africa's railway network reflects the continent's complex colonial history and its ongoing infrastructure development challenges. Most existing rail lines were built during the colonial era to move raw materials from the interior to coastal ports rather than to connect people and cities. As a result, many networks are fragmented, operate on different gauges, and cross-border connections are rare. Despite these structural challenges, several countries are making significant investments to modernize and expand their rail infrastructure. Morocco opened Al Boraq in 2018, Africa's first high-speed railway, connecting Casablanca and Tangier at speeds up to 320 km/h and reducing journey time from four hours and forty-five minutes to just over two hours. South Africa's Gautrain, opened in 2010, provides a rapid rail link between Johannesburg, Pretoria, and OR Tambo International Airport, operating at up to 160 km/h. Ethiopia's Addis Ababa light rail and the Addis Ababa-Djibouti standard-gauge electric railway, completed in 2017 with Chinese investment, represent the new generation of African rail development. Scenic heritage railways and tourist-oriented services offer memorable experiences for travelers. The Rovos Rail luxury train between Pretoria and Cape Town is considered one of the world's finest rail journeys. Kenya's Madaraka Express, opened in 2017 on the new standard-gauge railway between Nairobi and Mombasa, has transformed domestic travel. Across North Africa, Morocco and Egypt maintain functional intercity networks, and the African Union's Agenda 2063 includes a long-term vision for a continental rail network.

Morocco's Al Boraq is Africa's first high-speed railway, running at up to 320 km/h between Casablanca and Tangier.

South Africa's Gautrain connects Johannesburg, Pretoria, and OR Tambo Airport and is one of the most modern rapid rail systems in Africa.

Kenya's Madaraka Express cut the Nairobi-Mombasa journey from over 10 hours by road to under five hours by standard-gauge rail.

Egypt's national railway is one of the oldest in Africa, with the Cairo-Alexandria line dating back to 1854.

Rovos Rail's luxury Pride of Africa train runs 3,200 km from Pretoria to Cape Town and is frequently rated among the world's greatest rail journeys.

Countries

Frequently Asked Questions

A continuous trans-African rail journey is not currently possible. The continent's networks were built in isolated segments with different gauges, and cross-border rail connections are rare. The TAZARA Railway between Tanzania and Zambia is one of the few long-distance cross-border services. The African Union's Vision 2063 includes a continental network, but this remains a long-term aspiration.
For luxury and scenery, Rovos Rail's Cape Town to Pretoria route is exceptional — vintage coaches, five-star dining, and views of the Winelands, Karoo, and highveld. For a more practical but still scenic experience, Morocco's Al Boraq between Casablanca and Tangier offers modern high-speed travel with Atlantic coastline views. Kenya's Madaraka Express provides an affordable and scenic journey through wildlife-rich landscapes between Nairobi and Mombasa.
Al Boraq is operated by ONCF and runs between Casablanca Voyageurs and Tanger Ville, stopping at Kénitra and Tanger Med port. The journey takes approximately two hours and ten minutes. Tickets can be booked online through ONCF's website or at station ticket offices. The train uses Alstom Euroduplex rolling stock identical to SNCF's TGV Duplex.
Safety varies considerably by country and operator. Modern services such as Al Boraq in Morocco, the Gautrain in South Africa, and the Madaraka Express in Kenya operate to high safety standards. Older, legacy networks in other countries may have lower standards and longer, less reliable journey times. Checking current conditions through travel advisories and local tourism resources is advisable before planning rail travel in less-developed networks.
The Gautrain is a rapid rail system in South Africa's Gauteng Province, connecting OR Tambo International Airport to Sandton, Rosebank, Park Station in Johannesburg, and Pretoria to the north. It operates at up to 160 km/h and is primarily used by business travelers and commuters. The airport service runs every 12 minutes during peak hours and connects to the Sandton financial district in approximately 15 minutes.
South Africa has the continent's most extensive rail infrastructure, with both passenger and freight services. Morocco has the most modern passenger rail, including high-speed service. Egypt's national network is one of the longest in Africa. Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania have recently opened or upgraded significant lines with international investment. Nigeria is expanding its network, having opened the Lagos-Ibadan standard-gauge railway in 2021.